Good news for Microsoft fans as its Windows RT will soon be updated to Windows RT 8.1. In partnership with chipmaker Qualcomm, Microsoft intends on launching the Windows RT 8.1 OS for its upcoming tablets that will be released sometime later this year.
At the Computex 2013, Qualcomm, announced that it will be working in tandem with Microsoft to bring its advanced Snapdragon 800 processor users' way.
According to the press release "Qualcomm Technologies and Microsoft will continue to work together on the next level of advanced mobile computing and Microsoft will offer a free software update to Windows RT 8.1. The free update will be available in the Windows Store later this year."
"We are excited to continue working with Qualcomm Technologies on the next iteration of Windows RT 8.1 with their new Snapdragon 800 processors," said Mike Anguilo, Corporate Vice President, Planning and PC Ecosystem, Microsoft Corp. "The new Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processors support our commitment to providing our customers with best-in-class capabilities. Our customers will now have the opportunity to leverage the numerous advantages of these new processors, including integrated 4G/LTE connectivity and outstanding device performance."
Qualcomm's Snapdragon 800 supports speeds of up to 2.2 GHz per core and is a quad-core processor. It also features an integrated multicode 3G/4G LTE modem, as well as support for Windows RT 8.1 "features and services."
"Our Snapdragon 800 processors offer the best combination of high performance, efficient power usage and LTE network support and will help enable greater flexibility and connectivity options to Microsoft and device manufacturers. Snapdragon 800 processors deliver significant performance improvements across the entire SoC along with support for new Windows RT 8.1 features and services," said Luis Pineda, senior vice president of product management, computing and consumer products at Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
The impending Snapdragon 800-powered Microsoft tablets running on Windows RT 8.1 are anticipated to hit the consumer shelves by end of 2013. With Windows RT 8.1 powered devices set to make its way to consumers soon, Microsoft has another shot at trying to establish a loyal consumer base in the market and revive the waning popularity of Windows RT.
